98 Cruise Brands and 474 Ships Dominated by Five Companies

The global cruise industry demonstrates its range and variety through 98 different brands sailing 474 ships in 2026, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

But despite its range, the industry is dominated by five companies with 18 brands that sail 227 ships for a market share just short of 80 percent based on annual passenger capacity.

The largest company is Carnival Corporation with eight brands and over 90 ships, commanding a 32.2 percent share of the global cruise market.

Royal Caribbean Group is the second largest company with five brands, including its joint ownership of TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, with 71 ships and a 25.9 percent market share.

MSC Cruises follows with two brands, 27 ships and a 12 percent market share, and then Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings with three brands, 36 ships and a 9 percent market share.

Other high-profile companies include Disney Cruise Line with a 4.4 percent market share and Viking with 1.1 percent (ocean cruises).